This book investigates the intricate and often contentious dynamics of memory politics in Ukraine. It critically examines the story of the glorification of nationalist figures and military organizations, such as Stepan Bandera, Roman Shukhyvych and Mykola Lebid´, the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). These personages and entities, despite their involvement in collaboration with Nazi Germany and participation in ethnic violence, have been elevated to the status of national heroes in contemporary Ukraine. Rudling’s work meticulously documents how their history has been written, sanitized, and weaponized to serve political agendas, offering a detailed and critical perspective on the topic. Nine chapters covering the period from the mid-nineteenth century to the 2020s present a broad panorama of the history of the emergence of the nationalist movement and its associated memory narrative, moving into a scrupulous analysis of this narrative and the policies that have sought to promote it. Much attention is paid to the mnemonic actors promoting this narrative and actively suppressing its critics.
Rudling explores how Ukraine’s quest to forge a cohesive national identity has led to selective commemoration practices. Nationalist groups and leaders are often presented as symbols of resistance against Soviet oppression, with their more controversial legacies downplayed or omitted. Since the mid-2000s, the Ukrainian state has sought to promote unity by reshaping these historical narratives, but this revisionism has sparked significant ethical and scholarly debates. The work raises essential questions about the balance between honoring the fighters for independence and confronting the darker aspects of their past, like collaboration with Nazis, participation in the Holocaust, and ethnic cleansing.
Rudling’s analysis extends to the international stage, where he critiques western governments and organizations for their inconsistent responses to Ukraine’s nationalist commemorations. He argues that geopolitical considerations, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, have led to a tolerance of practices that might otherwise provoke condemnation. The book situates Ukraine’s mnemopolitics within the broader context of post-Soviet nation-building. In this volatile environment, historical memory becomes a contested space where narratives of victimhood, resistance, and identity collide. Rudling illustrates how domestic politics, diaspora influences, and international pressures intersect to advance the nationalist narrative of memory to the level of state policy.
Ethical dilemmas permeate the book’s narrative, as it questions the morality of honoring figures and organizations tied to atrocities while acknowledging their roles in the fight for independence. Rudling challenges readers to grapple with these complexities, urging a deeper reflection on how societies reconcile pride in their past with accountability for its darker chapters. The book underscores the need for a nuanced approach to historical memory, which respects the aspirations for national identity and the imperative to confront historical truths. Among the book’s strengths is its exhaustive use of sources, ranging from archival documents to propaganda materials and oral histories. This rigorous documentation underpins its credibility and provides a foundation for the critical perspectives Rudling offers. The book’s relevance is further amplified by its resonance with contemporary geopolitical tensions, particularly in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Despite its merits, the book is not without limitations. Sometimes, Rudling’s tone is overly polemical, which could alienate audiences. Additionally, the book might be critiqued for insufficiently engaging with counterarguments or perspectives from Ukrainian historians and nationalists who advocate for these commemorative practices. Its emphasis on the negative aspects of Ukraine’s nationalist movements may overshadow the legitimate aspirations for independence and resistance these figures represent. Speaking of these limitations of the book, it is worth remembering the vicissitudes of the fortune of a scholar taking on a controversial topic. Criticism of Rudling’s work and views often goes beyond academic discussion. The author has been the object of public attacks and defamation by the protagonists of his book. The organizations and figures he analyzes (the Center for Liberation Movement Studies, the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists [Banderovites], and its facade organizations like the League of Ukrainians of Canada) are not shy in their means of publicly harassing Rudling and other researchers who are not afraid to write about the dark sides of the activities of tarnished heroes.
Tarnished Heroes significantly contributes to studying east European history, memory politics, and nation-building. It offers a rigorous and thought-provoking critique of how history is utilized to shape identity in transitional societies. Rudling’s analysis serves as a timely reminder of the ethical complexities inherent in Gechichtspolitik, challenging readers to critically evaluate the politics of memory while considering its implications for the present. For scholars and policymakers alike, this book is essential for understanding the delicate interplay between history and politics in Ukraine and beyond.
